Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common chronic musculoskeletal conditions seen by physiotherapists and affects a large number of Australians. It is generally considered a degenerative condition (occurs via wear and tear). Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition in which the hyaline articular cartilage thins, develops cracks and can eventually wear away.
Causes for osteoarthritis (OA) in knee
- Weight – As we all know knee joint is weight bearing joint and research have shown that every one Kilo weight gain adds 4 kilos of load on your knee joints. Being overweight increases the risk of knee OA, as well as the likelihood of it progressing.
- Age – More common in people above 45 of age.
- Past history of trauma or surgery to the knee.
- Family history of knee osteoarthritis (OA).
- Weak Muscle or decreased physical exercise.
- Heavy loading occupations.
- Knee or lower limb deformities.
Common Symptoms May include
- stiffness in the morning or after prolonged sitting
- pain with prolonged periods of walking or standing
- difficulty with activities such as stair climbing and stair descending
- joint swelling
- clicking, clunking, crunching or catching within the joint
- reduced joint flexibility (bending or straightening)
- altered joint shape and size
- altered leg posture (eg, ‘knock knees’ or ‘bow legs’)
- a feeling of instability or giving way in the knee
How Physio Can help
- Develop an exercise program – We at Enrich Physio use state of art exercise prescription software and the app so you can follow your exercises developed by the physio at home.
- Activity Modification: We help identify and modify pain causing activities and movements.
- Advice on Weight Management: Did you know 10% in weight reduction can benefit in 30 % reduction in your Knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain.
- Manual Therapy: Techniques such as massage may form part of a treatment program if a person has restricted flexibility in their knee (or hip or ankle) that might be placing increased stress on their knee joint.
- Dry needling: This can help in the reduction of pain associated with knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain.
For more information please call on 1300 236 742 or visit www.enrichphysio.com.au to book an online appointment